There’s a wooden building in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, that has been operating as a public bathhouse for over 3,000 years. Dogo Onsen Honkan — the Main Building of Dogo Onsen — is Japan’s oldest continuously operating hot spring, and arguably its most atmospheric.
The Spirited Away Connection
Dogo Onsen’s ornate three-story wooden building, built in 1894 and designated an Important Cultural Property, is widely believed to be one of the inspirations behind the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. While Hayao Miyazaki has never confirmed this directly, visitors consistently describe the feeling of stepping into the film. The architecture, the steam, the historical weight — it’s all there.
What to Experience
The Honkan itself is undergoing renovation but still partially open. The newly opened Asuka-no-Yu is a stunning modern facility that honors the original aesthetic. The surrounding shopping arcade, the famous “orange juice from the tap” Ehime experience, and the street food scene make the whole district worth half a day at minimum.
Getting There
From Matsuyama Airport (90 min from Tokyo by air), take the tram about 30 minutes to Dogo Onsen. Often combined with a Shimanami Kaido cycling trip — one of Japan’s most scenic routes connects Matsuyama to Hiroshima by bicycle across island-hopping bridges.
